Emergency Shelters Now Open

News Release Date
08-29-2023
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idalia

8/29/23 10:22AM

Alachua County has opened two general population, pet-friendly shelters, and a special medical needs shelter.

The two general population shelters are at:

The Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center 1028 N.E. 14th Street, Gainesville

The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex 24880 N.W. 16th Avenue, Newberry

The special needs shelter is at: The Alachua County Senior Recreation Center 5701 N.W. 34th Boulevard, Gainesville

Those needing more information about the special needs shelter should call 352-955-2575. Those needing transportation to the special needs shelter should call as soon as possible.

Please consider evacuation if you don’t feel safe. We have an Evacuation Order for those who live in mobile or manufactured homes or if you live in flood-prone areas. If you have flooded during previous storms, you need to evacuate.

Special needs shelters provide one cot per patient. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding in case cots are unavailable. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification. General population shelters do not provide cots or beds. Bring any needed bedding.

When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, and a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed, as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification. Citizens with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc. Animal Resources will have supplemental supplies on hand for those in need.

We encourage citizens to bring veterinary records indicating their pets are properly vaccinated. However, animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake to minimize the spread of contagious diseases. Please remember that animals must be properly restrained throughout their stay at the emergency shelter for the safety of all involved citizens and pets.

For more information, call Alachua County Rumor Control by dialing 311. If you cannot dial 311, call 352-264-6557.

High Springs residents, call 386-454-7321 for specific city-related questions.